Artworks are encouraged to support the Solstice 2018 theme of “Heroes,” although all artwork submitted will be considered.

In other Solstice news, festival vendor applications for the early bird deadline are due by March 15. Vendors will be highlight on Facebook and Solstice newsletters as business heroes, said celebration Executive Director Robin Elander.

This year’s Solstice three-day event starts on June 22. The 44th annual parade starts at noon on June 23 at state and Cota streets and moves north to Alameda Park.

Meanwhile, the first fundraiser of its kind this year, “Jump on the Summer Solstice Bus to Los Olivos,” initially planned for Feb. 24, has been rescheduled for 11 am. to 6 p.m. March 24.

“It’s a new Solstice FUNdraiser made possible by Jump on the School Bus” Elander said. Tickets $55 per person.

“This fun day out on the town will help us raise funds for the Summer Solstice Celebration Parade and Festival 2018,” Elander said. “A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support fire and mudslide families in need in our area.”

She said bus riders should consider dressing up as their favorite hero or just wear favorite Solstice fun outfit. The $55 ticket includes cost of bus and tip for the driver. Riders pay for whatever they drink or eat when the bus stops. “Feel free to bring food and drink on the bus if you’d like,” Elander said.

The day starts at Visit Santa Barbara, 1 Garden St. at 11 a.m. The bus arrives in Los Olivos by noon. From then until 2:30 p.m., participants will walk around Los Olivos for wine and beer tasting and lunch at their leisure.

At 2:30 p.m., the group will meet at Mavericks Saloon. At 4 p.m., the bus arrives at Cold Springs Tavern and leaves at 5:30 p.m. to return to Santa Barbara. For more information, contact Elander at soladmin@solsticeparade.com